CREDIT: Valiant
Rating: 4.5/5 – An Armor Hunters Tie-In That Stands on its Own.
by ComicSpectrum reviewer Adam Alamo.
Valiant’s epic summer crossover event, Armor Hunters, is in full swing and team Harbinger joins the fray this month with Armor Hunters: Harbinger #1 by Joshua Dysart and Robert Gill. After reading this issue, it’s apparent this is not your typical throwaway crossover story produced just to capitalize on the event or boost sales. Dysart has crafted a full story that is both set in the events of the Armor Hunters storyline, but is a story all its own–a story that features the return of Generation Zero.
I love that between the end of Harbinger Volume 1 and the start of Harbinger: Omegas, we get a chance to explore Generation Zero’s new found freedom. The issue does a great job of reintroducing the characters and schooling the reader on their powers, which is good because the last time we saw them in action was during the Harbinger Wars mini-series. It is a nice change of pace to de-emphasize the Renegades as those who push the main narrative along (although its remaining members do play a part in this story). I think it was a smart move to focus on Generation Zero and I hope they stick around after this tie-in is over. I’ve always thought that one of the great things about the world of Harbinger is the unlimited potential for new characters to be introduced and developed and this issue takes full advantage of that. As for the Armor Hunters part of this story, the issue is set in the aftermath of the attack on Mexico City, which has yet to be addressed outside of a plot point in the main Armor Hunters narrative. It gives a pause in the main event to flesh out and give depth to this part of the story. In the end, something more sinister is teased and I cannot wait to find out what it is or how it affects other parts of the main event. Artist Robert Gill does a great job of bringing this tale to life, whether it’s through his depiction of smoldering Mexico City, or his take on fan favorites Torque and Faith. He’s definitely an artist to look out for and after seeing his work here, I hope he becomes a staple in the Harbinger family of artists.
Armor Hunters: Harbinger #1 stands out from other crossovers in the Armor Hunters event, which either tie directly into the event’s narrative or feature the Armor Hunters themselves (as X-O Manowar is doing with the origin of the Armor Hunters). That being said, it’s no wonder Dysart has been in a tongue twist across social media when talking about this book, referring to it as Harbinger: Armor Hunters on more than one occasion. For all intents, Dysart manages to weave a fresh, original tale set in the Armor Hunters event, but really requiring little knowledge outside of the set-up. I’ve loved all the Armor Hunters tie-in issues so far, but this one feels the most “meaty” to me because it can stand on its own, which is ultimately a good thing for any crossover or tie-in issue.
Reviewed by: Adam Alamo
(adam@comicspectrum.com)
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